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What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Sound and/or picture quality
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Signal range
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.

Pros

  • LCD display on the parent unit shows the temperature in the baby’s room and the baby unit also has a temperature indicator light with four settings, clock LCD display on parent unit with a back light so you can see the time day and night, key buttons are illuminated for easy use at night, sound level light display to stay alert to baby’s needs even with the volume off, sound activation mode for when your baby is that little bit older and it’s not necessary to hear every sound

Cons

  • Lacks some of the innovative features of its rivals such as a sensory pad

Tested with six-month-old son Joshua.

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What we loved

The Tomy TF550 looks good next to the bed or in the front room. It was very easy to set up and the instructions are clear and precise. It is straightforward to use and the large buttons with pictures on the parent unit make it trouble free to use even if light is limited.

The sound level light display is a sensible idea which allows you to see the baby’s noise even if the volume is down. The temperature gauge is the main focus on the parent unit and clearly displays the temperature within the room where the baby is sleeping.

The small clock on the parent display is a good addition. The vibration alert on the parent unit is good as it alerts the parent even if you are doing something noisy like hovering around the house.

The ability to talk to your baby using the two feature is a clever idea as it allows you to speak to your baby if they are distressed or just to soothe the child without having to enter the room. The lullaby function is useful however my baby doesn’t like a lot of noise when he is trying to go to sleep.

The baby unit is small and not intrusive within the baby’s room. I especially liked the remote controlled night light which allows you to switch off the night light function on the baby unit without having to open the door. This means that you minimise the chance of waking up the baby by reaching around in their room once the light has been turned off. It also allows you to see the baby without having to switch on the main light within the room.

A good function on the baby unit is that it has a light which allows you to check the temperature within the baby's room. This light has four settings and ensures that you know whether the temperature is right within the room without having to consult the parent unit.

What to watch out for

I think that the price is reasonable for the unit, however there are other units out there which provide a sensory pad which the baby sleeps on to highlight the baby's movement for a minimal extra cost.

MadeForMums verdict

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A good unit but the Tomy TF525 is better value and has all of the main important features but at a cheaper price.

Authors

Product Specifications

Product
BrandTomy
ModelTF550
Price£69.99
Signal typeDigital
Features
Video screenNo
Movement sensor padNo
Range indoors350m
Range outdoors350m
Number of channelsThe monitor automatically selects from 120 channels to give you the best quality sound
Sound level indicator lightsYes
Two-way talkbackYes
Night lightYes
Room temperature displayYes
Soothing lullabiesYes
Power supplyMains and rechargeable battery
Power supplyBattery and mains
Features
  • LCD display on the parent unit shows the temperature in the baby’s room and the baby unit also has a temperature indicator light with four settings
  • Clock LCD display on parent unit with a back light so you can see the time day and night
  • Key buttons are illuminated for easy use at night
  • Sound level light display to stay alert to baby’s needs even with the volume off
  • Sound activation mode for when your baby is that little bit older and it’s not necessary to hear her every sound.
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